Menu

THE TRENCH COAT MAFIA | ICONIC OUTERWEAR THAT’S ALWAYS IN STYLE

*

“The trench coat is the only thing that has kept its head above water.”

–Jack Lipman

*

Having spent years ridin’ the rails on the commuter train in-and-out of Manhattan, there are clearly two leading outerwear icons that are inescapable– the Barbour Beaufort, and the timeless Burberry Trench. Both are must-haves for the Northeastern climate in terms of their functionality, versatility and style. It’s not uncommon at all the see a Barbour over a sportcoat or suit, although I oft feel the length and proportions are somewhat off– not to mention I like to keep the Barbour waxed within an inch of it’s life, and therefore it’s not exactly the best companion for co-mingling with tailored clothing. For me, there’s nothing better than seeing a seasoned, well put-together professional sporting the old school classic essentials– Ghurka bag,Burberry trench, J. Press suit, and cordovans. The trench is tearin’ up the runway right now, but don’t buy it for the reviews– wear it for its epicmerits.

Now, if only proper headwear would make a comeback– and I’m not talking about knit caps.

I remember arguing with my mother, when I was a wee lad, the actual name of this article of clothing. You see, in my optimistic, wholesome mind, one which had not yet been tarnished by the images of war and violence, the name of this garment was a “drench coat.” What do you wear in the rain? A drench coat, that’s what. With a mother’s simple correction — the death of innocence. But, you know what? In my eyes… it’s always going to be a drench coat.

I recently found a beautifully weathered, soft to the touch black Burberry trench coat at the thrift store. I’m lovin it! Someone else wore it long enough for that aged patina to reveal itself, now, I can enjoy it! I paid a paltry $10.00! Classics NEVER die!

RL, YSL…TSY…Initials to last a millennium…and beyond if we’re lucky… I love this article almost as much as I love trenchcoats… And the shots of Belmondo, Marais, Parks et al…? Exquisite! BTW, I’m quite pleased to see that the style of Black men does not elude your keen eye… Bravo TSY…Bravo!

Love Burberry trench coats. Looking at these photos, it is indeed a style that will never die. I still remember my elementary school principle’s trench coats worn with a newsboy cap. For myself, I love wearing my light pink Ralph Lauren trench.

JP,
Thanks for this quick and fascinating tour de trenchcoat. And I couldn’t agree more about the need for the “return of the hat” (to quote a great New Yorker cartoon). I have passed through many “seasons” of fashion over the past 35 years or so, resolutely wearing my Burberry and various fedoras all over the world. Both are eminently practical. The hats keep your head warm and dry and advance civility when removed at proper times. My faithful trenchies have borne the storms and provided handy pockets for notebooks, cameras, recorders, etc. They age with grace, and the more they are used the more their character grows. They ALWAYS look right — over an 12-ounce tweed sport jacket, a well-traveled BB Makers pinstripe or a tuxedo.

Comments are closed.

TRANSLATE THIS SITE

SHOP TSY ONLINE NOW

SHOP TSY END OF SEASON SALE

SHOP TSY JEWELRY ONLINE

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.